Glossary of Skating Terms

Whether you are new to figure skating or a seasoned competitor, understanding the technical terminology used in equipment discussions will help you make informed decisions. Below is an alphabetical glossary of common terms you will encounter when shopping for boots, blades, and accessories.

Blade Guard

A hard plastic cover that snaps over the blade runner to protect the edge when walking off the ice. Blade guards should be used on hard surfaces but removed for storage — use soakers (soft, absorbent covers) instead to prevent moisture buildup. See our blade protection and care guide.

Counter Sunk

Refers to screw holes in the blade chassis that are beveled so that the screw head sits flush with or below the surface. Counter-sunk mounting holes prevent screw heads from protruding and interfering with blade performance.

Edge

The sharpened sides of the blade runner. Each blade has two edges — an inside edge (toward the arch of the foot) and an outside edge (toward the little toe). Virtually all figure skating elements are performed on one edge or the other.

Freestyle

A discipline of figure skating that includes jumps, spins, and footwork sequences. Freestyle boots and blades are designed with higher stiffness and larger toe picks to support the demands of jumping and landing.

Hollow (Radius of)

The concave groove ground into the bottom of the blade runner during sharpening. The radius of hollow (commonly 7/16" to 5/8" for figure skaters) determines how deep the groove is, which affects grip on the ice and glide speed. A smaller radius means deeper edges and more grip; a larger radius means shallower edges and more glide.

Hook

A small curved extension at the very back of some blade runners, below the heel. Hooks are used in certain ice dance and moves-in-the-field techniques. Not all blades have hooks.

Mounting

The process of attaching blades to boots using screws drilled through the blade chassis into the boot sole. Proper blade mounting requires precise alignment and is best performed by a qualified technician. See our FAQ for more information.

Parallel Blade

A blade design where the runner maintains a consistent width from front to back, as opposed to a tapered blade. Parallel blades provide a larger contact surface with the ice.

Pick (Toe Pick)

The serrated teeth at the front of a figure skating blade. Toe picks are used to initiate jumps, perform spins, and execute certain footwork elements. Pick size and shape vary by blade model — larger, more aggressive picks are designed for advanced jump techniques. See also: Toe Pick.

REV / Revolution

A carbon fiber chassis technology that replaces the traditional metal sole plate of a blade with compression-molded carbon fiber composite. REV reduces weight and provides thermal insulation from the ice. Read our full REV carbon fiber blades guide.

Rocker (Radius)

The gentle curve along the length of the blade runner from toe to heel. The rocker radius determines how much of the blade contacts the ice at any given time and affects maneuverability, stability, and spin characteristics. A smaller rocker radius means more curvature and greater agility; a larger radius means a flatter blade and more stability.

Side-Honed

A finishing process where the sides of the blade runner are ground smooth and flat. Side honing ensures clean, consistent edges and is a hallmark of premium blade finishing.

Stanchion

The vertical supports that connect the blade chassis (sole plate) to the runner. Stanchions transfer forces from the boot to the blade edge and play a role in the blade's overall rigidity and responsiveness.

Stiffness Rating

A numerical value assigned to figure skating boots indicating how rigid the boot is. Higher numbers indicate stiffer boots suited to heavier or more advanced skaters who need greater support for jump landings. Choosing the correct stiffness rating is essential for both performance and comfort. See our stiffness rating guide.

Tapered Blade

A blade design where the runner narrows from front to back. Tapered blades reduce weight and can affect the skater's balance point and edge feel compared to parallel designs.

Technomicro

EDEA's proprietary microfiber material used in place of traditional leather for boot construction. Technomicro is lighter, more consistent, water-resistant, and more durable than natural leather. Learn more in our EDEA boots guide.

Thermoformable

Describes a boot material that can be reshaped with heat to conform to the skater's foot. EDEA boots use thermoformable tri-layer construction that can be professionally custom-shaped for a custom fit. See our custom shaping guide.

Toe Pick

See Pick above.

Width (B/C/D/E)

Boot width sizing used by EDEA. B is narrow, C is standard, D is wide, and E is extra wide. Correct width selection is critical for proper fit, comfort, and performance. See our EDEA boots guide for details on available widths.

Further Reading

Explore our full FAQ for answers to common questions, or dive into specific topics like blade materials and REV technology.